Weapon mounting system

ABSTRACT

A weapon mounting system including a base and an upright for supporting a weapon holder. The weapon holder is supported for sliding movement along the upright.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/621,086, filed Feb. 12, 2015, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to weapon holders and, moreparticularly, to mounting devices for supporting weapons within thepassenger compartment of an automotive vehicle.

Weapon mounting systems, or gun racks, for supporting weapons inside ofpassenger compartments of automotive vehicles are well-known in the art.The prior art teaches that such gun racks may be mounted against awindow, a screen, or a wall of a vehicle in order to support a weapon ina generally horizontal manner. In addition, it is known to providevehicle gun racks for supporting a gun in an upstanding position, asillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,280 to Shaw.

It is also known to provide a gun rack for supporting a gun adjacent tothe ceiling of a vehicle passenger compartment, particularly for thepurposes of concealing the gun and for providing access to the guncarried by the gun rack to a person in a front seat of the vehicle. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,546 to Miller, which is assigned to theassignee of the present invention, and is expressly incorporated byreference herein, discloses an illustrative clamp for a vehicle gunrack.

Additional illustrative prior art weapon mounting systems are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,446 to Murray et al., which is assigned to theassignee of the present invention, and is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, aweapon mounting system includes an upright extending upwardly relativeto a floor of a vehicle. The upright includes a lower end, an upper end,a first track extending between the lower end and the upper end, and asecond track spaced apart from the first track and extending between thelower end and the upper end. A first weapon holder is supported by theupright. A first slide mount is received within the first track of theupright end is coupled to the first weapon holder. The first slide mountis supported by the track for sliding movement in a released mode ofoperation, and is secured in position in a fixed mode of operation. Thefirst weapon holder is vertically moveable along the upright when thefirst slide mount is in the released mode of operation. An articlelockbox is coupled to the upright.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a weapon mounting system includes an upright, the uprightincluding a lower end, an upper end, a first track extending between thelower end and the upper end, and a second track extending between thelower end and the upper end. A first weapon holder is supported by theupright. A first slide mount is received within the first track and iscoupled to the first weapon holder, wherein the first weapon holder isadjustable along the upright. A second weapon holder is supported by theupright. A second slide mount is received within the second track and iscoupled to the second weapon holder, wherein the second weapon holder isadjustable along the upright independent of the first weapon holder. Thesecond weapon holder is in laterally spaced relation to the first weaponholder such that the second weapon holder may be positioned horizontallyadjacent to the first weapon holder without interference therebetween.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a weapon mounting system includes a base member configured to besupported by a floor of a vehicle and an upright extending upwardly fromthe base member in a vertical direction. The upright includes a lowerend, an upper end, a front face, a rear face, a first side face, and asecond side face. A first track extends between the lower end and theupper end in the first side face, a second track extends between thelower end and the upper end in the second side face, and a third trackextends between the lower end and the upper end in the front face. Afirst weapon holder is supported by the upright. A first slide mount isreceived within the first track and is coupled to the first weaponholder, wherein the first weapon holder is adjustable along the upright.A second weapon holder is supported by the upright. A second slide mountis received within the second track and is coupled to the second weaponholder, wherein the second weapon holder is adjustable along theupright. An article lock box is supported by the upright. A third mountis received within the third track and is coupled to the article lockbox, wherein the article lock box is adjustable along the upright. Thearticle lock box includes a housing, a lid coupled to the housing forpivoting movement between a closed position and an open position, and alock to secure the lid in the closed position.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying thebest mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to theaccompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weapon mounting system of the presentdisclosure installed within the passenger compartment of a vehicle,illustrating in phantom first and second weapons installed within weaponholders;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the weapon mounting system of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a first rear perspective view of the weapon mounting system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a second rear perspective view of the weapon mounting systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the weapon mounting system of FIG.1;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the upper portion of theweapon mounting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the lower portion of theweapon mounting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the article lock box of FIG. 1,with the lid in an open position;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the article lock box of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial exploded perspective view of the article lock boxof FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a partial exploded perspective view of a further illustrativearticle lock box; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the article lock box of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather,the embodiments elected for description have been chosen to enable oneskilled in the art to practice the invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an illustrative weapon mounting system 10is shown positioned within the passenger compartment 12 of a vehicle 14.The weapon mounting system 10 illustratively includes a base 16configured to straddle the conventional drive shaft hump 18 of thevehicle 14 intermediate a front driver seat 20 and a front passengerseat 22. If vehicle 14 includes a partition or barrier 24 separatingfront and rear occupant areas 26 and 28, the base 16 is positionedforward of the partition 24. The base 16 may be tailored to mount withindifferent vehicle types and models.

The base 16 illustratively includes a support 30 including a mountingplatform 32 having a substantially planar support surface with aplurality of mounting openings 34. First and second sidewalls 36 and 38extend downwardly from the support 30 along opposing sides of the driveshaft hump 18 and proximate inner side edges 40 and 42 of the frontdriver seat 20 and the front passenger seat 22, respectively. As such,the mounting platform 32 extends between the first and second sidewalls36 and 38 and is configured to extend above the drive shaft hump 18.

The base 16 further includes first and second mounting members 44 and 46which extend outwardly from lower ends of the first and second sidewalls36 and 38, respectively. The first and second mounting members 44 and 46each illustratively include mounting apertures 48 for securing the base16 to the floor 50 of the vehicle 14. The mounting apertures 48 areillustratively formed as elongated slots in order to facilitateinstallation of the weapon mounting system 10 and to permit adjustmentof the weapon mounting system 10 to a desired position. Moreparticularly, the mounting aperture 48 of the first mounting member 44is adapted to receive a driver seat mounting stud (not shown), while themounting aperture 48 of the second mounting member 46 is adapted toreceive a front passenger seat mounting stud (not shown).Illustratively, the driver seat mounting stud is positioned proximate ofthe right rear corner of the driver seat 20, while the front passengerseat mounting stud is positioned proximate the left rear corner of thepassenger seat 22. Conventional nuts (not shown) may threadably receivethe respective mounting studs for securing the first and second mountingmembers 44 and 46 to the floor 50 of the vehicle 14.

An upright 60 illustratively extends upwardly from the base 16 in agenerally vertical direction and is coupled to the mounting platform 32.A plurality of accessory supports or mounts are supported by the upright60. The accessory supports illustratively include a first weapon holder62, a second weapon holder 64 and an article lock box 66. As furtherdetailed herein, the first and second weapon holders 62 and 64 maysecure a plurality of different weapons, illustratively long guns, tothe weapon mounting system 10. As shown in the illustrative embodimentof FIG. 1, the first weapon holder 62 may secure a rifle 68, such as M4carbine rifle, while the second weapon holder 64 may secure a shotgun70, such as Remington Model 870 shotgun. As further detailed herein, thearticle lock box 66 may be used to secure a variety of articles,including a handgun.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the upright 60 illustratively includesa substantially rectangular cross-section having a first side face 72, asecond side face 74, a front face 76, and a rear face 78. The upright 60may be formed of a metal, such as an extruded aluminum, extendingbetween a lower end 80 and an upper end 82.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lower end 80 of the upright 60 issecured within a receiver 84 defined by a rectangular tube or channel 86of the base 16. Gusset plates 88 and 89 help support and stabilize thetube 86. Fasteners, such as bolts 90 and washers 92 secure the upright60 within the receiver 84. As further detailed herein, base slide mounts94, 95 and 96 may threadably receive the bolts 90 to facilitate slidingmovement of the upright 60 relative to the base 16. A cap 97 is securedto the upper end 82 of the upright 60 through a fastener, such as ascrew 98.

With reference to FIGS. 5-7, a first track 102 extends between the lowerend 80 and the upper end 82 in the first side face 72, while a secondtrack 104 extends between the lower end 80 and the upper end 82 in thesecond side face 74. A third track 106 extends between the lower end 80and the upper end 82 in the front face 76, while a fourth track 108extends between the lower end 80 and the upper end 82 in the rear face78.

Each track 102, 104, 106, 108 is illustratively T-shaped incross-section, including a main chamber 110 and a slot 112 defined by apair of opposing walls 114 and 116. An internal web 118 connects thewalls 114 and 116 of the different tracks 102, 104, 106, 108.

The slide mounts 94, 95 and 96 are slidably received within tracks 102,108 and 104, respectively, of the upright 60. In a released mode ofoperation, clearance is provided between the slide mounts 94, 95 and 96and the respective washers 92 on opposing sides of the walls 114 and 116of the tracks 102, 108 and 104. As such, the slide mounts 94 and 96permit vertical adjustment of the upright 60 relative to the base 16. Asthe bolts 90 are tightened, the mounts 94, 95 and 96 and the respectivewashers 92 clamp to the walls 114 and 116, thereby securing the upright60 to the base 16. In this fixed mode of operation, the slide mounts 94and 96 are fixed from vertical movement along the tracks 102 and 104 ofthe upright 60.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 6A and 6B, the first weapon holder 62 isillustratively supported by the first track 102 of the upright 60, andthe second weapon holder 64 is illustratively supported by the secondtrack 104 of the upright 60. Illustratively, the first and second weaponholders 62 and 64 each includes a lock mechanism 120 having a base 122and a pivotal cover 124 coupled to the base 122 for receiving andsecuring weapon 68, 70 therein. The lock mechanism 120 may comprise anelectrically operated lock having a remote user interface or switch (notshown) and a key override 125. Such an illustrative lock mechanism isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,559 to Glines, which is assigned to theassignee of the present invention, and is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

The second weapon holder 64 further illustratively includes a barrelrest 126, including an upper arm 128 supported above the lock mechanism120, and a lower arm 130 supported below the lock mechanism 120. Theupper arm 128 and the lower arm 130 illustratively include alignedopenings 132 and 134 configured to receive a barrel 135 of weapon 68.

A first butt housing 138 is supported on the base 16 below the firstweapon holder 62 and is configured to receive the butt 139 of weapon 68.A pad 140, illustratively formed of an elastomer, is received within thebutt housing 138. The butt housing 138 and the pad 140 are secured tothe openings 34 of the mounting platform 32 through conventionalfasteners, such as bolts 142 and nuts 143. Similarly, a second butthousing 146 is supported on the base 16 below the second weapon holder64 and is configured to receive the butt 148 of weapon 70. A pad 150,illustratively formed of an elastomer, is received within the butthousing 146. The butt housing 146 and the pad 150 are secured to theopenings 34 of the mounting platform 32 through conventional fasteners,such as bolts 152 and nuts 153.

First accessory slide mounts 154 are received within the first track 102of the upright 60 and are coupled to the first weapon holder 62.Illustratively, an L-shaped bracket 156 couples the first weapon holder62 to the first accessory slide mounts 154. A first portion 158 of thebracket 156 is secured to the first weapon holder 62 through fasteners,such as bolts 160 extending through elongated slots 161. A secondportion 162 of the bracket 156 is secured to the first accessory slidemount 154 through fasteners, such as bolts 164 extending throughelongated slots 165, and washers 166. More particularly, the firstaccessory slide mounts 154 are configured for sliding movement withinthe first track 102 and threadably receive the bolts 164. Bolts 160within slots 161, and bolts 164 within slots 165, permit fortranslational and rotational adjustment of the first weapon holder 62,thereby facilitating proper alignment of a weapon received therein.

The first accessory slide mounts 154 are supported by the track 102 forsliding movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright 60 ina released mode of operation, and are secured in position relative tothe upright 60 in a fixed mode of operation. As such, the first weaponholder 62 is vertically moveable along the upright 60 when the firstaccessory slide mounts 154 are in the released mode of operation. In thereleased mode of operation, clearance is provided between the slidemounts 154 and the respective washers 166 on opposing sides of the walls114 and 116. As the bolts 164 are tightened, the slide mounts 154 andthe washers 166 clamp the bracket 156 to the walls 114 and 116, therebysecuring the bracket 156 and the first weapon holder 62 to the upright60. In this fixed mode of operation, the slide mounts 154 and the firstweapon holder 62 are fixed from vertical movement along the track 102 ofthe upright 60.

Second accessory slide mounts 170 are received within the second track104 of the upright 60 and are coupled to the second weapon holder 64.Illustratively, an L-shaped bracket 172 couples the second weapon holder64 to the second slide mounts 170. A first portion 174 of the bracket172 is secured to the second weapon holder 64 and the barrel rest 126through fasteners, such as bolts 176 extending through elongated slots177. A second portion 178 of the bracket 172 is secured to the secondaccessory slide mounts 170 through fasteners, such as bolts 180extending through slots 181, and washers 182. More particularly, thesecond accessory slide mounts 170 are configured for sliding movementwithin the second track 104 and threadably receive the bolts 180. Bolts176 within slots 177, and bolts 180 within slots 181, permit fortranslational and rotational adjustment of the second weapon holder 64,thereby facilitating proper alignment of a weapon received therein.

The second accessory slide mounts 170 are supported by the track 104 forsliding movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright 60 ina released mode of operation, and are secured in position relative tothe upright 60 in a fixed mode of operation. As such, the second weaponholder 64 is vertically moveable along the upright 60 when the secondaccessory slide mounts 170 are in the released mode of operation. In thereleased mode of operation, clearance is provided between the slidemounts 170 and the respective washers 182 on opposing sides of the walls114 and 116 of the track 104. As the bolts 180 are tightened, the mounts170 and the washers 182 clamp the bracket 172 to the walls 114 and 116,thereby securing the bracket 172 and the second weapon holder 64 to theupright 60. In this fixed mode of operation, the slide mounts 170 andthe second weapon holder 64 are fixed from vertical movement along thetrack 104 of the upright 60.

The article lock box 66 is supported by the third track 106 of theupright 60. Third accessory slide mounts 188 are received within thethird track 106 of the upright and are coupled to the article lock box66. The article lock box 66 is illustratively secured to the thirdaccessory slide mounts 188 through fasteners, such as bolts 190 andwashers 192. More particularly, the slide mounts 188 are configured forsliding movement within the third track 106 and threadably receive thebolts 190.

The third accessory slide mounts 188 are supported by the track 106 forsliding movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright 60 ina released mode of operation, and are secured in position relative tothe upright 60 in a fixed mode of operation. In a released mode ofoperation, clearance is provided between the slide mounts 188 and therespective washers 192 on opposing sides of the walls 114 and 116 of thetrack 106. As the bolts 190 are tightened, the slide mounts 188 and thewashers 192 clamp to the walls 114 and 116 of the track 106, therebysecuring the article lock box 66 to the upright 60. In this fixed modeof operation, the slide mounts 188 and the article lock box 66 are fixedfrom vertical movement along the track 106 of the upright 60.

Illustratively, the article lock box 66 is laterally positionedintermediate the first weapon holder 62 and the second weapon holder 64.The first weapon holder 62 and the second weapon holder 64 are inlaterally spaced relation such that the second weapon holder 64 may bepositioned horizontally adjacent to the first weapon holder 62 withoutinterference therebetween. As such, the weapon holders 62 and 64 may beindependently moved along respective tracks 102 and 104 to any verticalposition along the upright 60 to accommodate different weapon types,styles and sizes.

With reference to FIGS. 8-11, the article lock box 66 illustrativelyincludes a housing 194, and a lid 196 coupled to the housing 194 by ahinge 198 for pivoting movement between a closed (lowered) position andan open (raised) position. The housing 194 includes a front wall 200, arear wall 202, a first side wall 204, and a second side wall 206. Theside walls 204 and 206 include angled upper edges 208 and 210. The lid196 includes an upper wall 212, a front wall 214, a first side wall 216and a second side wall 218. The side walls 216 and 218 include angledlower edges 220 and 222 that cooperate with the angled upper edges 208and 210 of the housing 194 (FIG. 4). The angled interface between edges208, 210 and 220, 222 of the housing 194 and the lid 196 facilitateaccess to the interior of the housing 194 when the lid 196 is in itsraised or open position to insert and remove articles, includinghandguns, evidence, handcuffs, etc. The interior of the housing 194 mayinclude an enlarged upper portion and a narrowed lower portion toconform to the general shape of a handgun.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the article lock box 66 furtherincludes a latch 224 to couple the lid 196 to the housing 194 in itsclosed position. The latch 224 includes a lock 226 to secure the lid 196in the closed position.

The latch 224 includes a pair of connected pan and housing members 228and 230 providing a guideway 232, a bolt 234 movable in the guideway232, and a pivotable actuating member or handle 238 for causingactuation of the bolt 234. The pan member 228 comprises a formedmounting plate 240 having a laterally extending flange 242 and a panportion 244 defining a recess 246. Fasteners, such as bolts 248, securethe pan member 228 to the lid 196.

The bolt 234 illustratively includes a locking portion 250 whichprojects from the guideway 232 through an end opening 252 of the housingmember 230 and is engageable with a striker plate 253 when the lid 196is pivoted to its closed position. The bolt 234 is slidable within theguideway 232. A compression spring 255 cooperates with the bolt 234 forurging the bolt 234 in a direction to project the locking portion 250outwardly from the housing member 230.

The handle 238 illustratively includes a substantially flat plateportion 257 which is normally in a substantially flush relation to thetop of the flange 242. The handle 238 includes a pair of actuatingprojections or fingers 254 formed as integral projections of edgeflanges 256.

The handle 238 is located in the recess 246 of the pan member 228 and ispivotably supported on a transverse hinge pin 258 which extends througha pair of aligned holes 260 of the edge flanges 256. The handle 238 isdisposed with its actuating fingers 254 extending through slots 262 andacross the guideway 232.

The fingers 254 are engaged by thrust arms 264 of the bolt 234 and,during pivoting of the handle 238 outwardly of the recess 246 of the panportion 244, the fingers 254 impart a retracting movement to the bolt234 and cause movement thereof inwardly of the guideway 232 inopposition to the spring 255. When the handle 238 is released, thespring 255 imparts an outward movement to the bolt 234 which, in turn,causes an inward pivoting movement of the handle 238 to its normallyflush position with the flange 242 of the pan member 228.

The latch 224 further includes key-actuated lock 226 and illustrativelyincludes a support sleeve 266 having a lock barrel 268 rotatablysupported therein and carrying a locking arm 270. The sleeve 266 isillustratively secured to the pan member 228 by a nut 271. The lockingarm 270 is secured to the rear end of barrel 268 and is rotatable tolocate its free end 272 in a substantially abutting relation to an upperend 274 of the bolt 234. When the locking arm 270 is in this alignedrelation, retraction of the bolt 234 is prevented. However, when thelocking arm 270 is rotated to its unlocked position by means of a key(not shown) rotating the barrel 268, the bolt 234 is free for retractingmovement by the handle 238.

Additional details of the illustrative latch 224 are provided in U.S.Pat. No. 2,900,204 to Pelcin, which is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a further illustrative article lock box 66′including an alternative embodiment latch 224′ to couple the lid 196 tothe housing 194 in its closed position. The latch 224′ includes a lock226′ to secure the lid 196 in the closed position.

The latch 224′ includes a base 225 and a guide member 227 providing aguideway 232′, a bolt 234′ vertically movable in the guideway 232′, andan actuating member or knob 238′ for causing actuation of the bolt 234′.Fasteners, such as rivets 248′, secure the base 225 and the guide member227 to the front wall 214 of the lid 196.

The bolt 234′ is slidable within the guideway 232′ from a loweredposition (FIG. 13) to a raised position. The bolt 234′ illustrativelyincludes a locking portion 250′ which projects downwardly from theguideway 232′ and is engageable with a striker plate 253′ when the lid196 is pivoted to its closed position and the bolt 234′ is in itslowered position.

The knob 238′ includes a shaft 239 extending through an elongated slot241 formed within the front wall 214 and having a threaded end 243received within a threaded opening 245 in the bolt 234′. Rotating theknob 238′ in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) tightens secures thebolt 234′ to the front wall 214, thereby preventing movement within theguideway 232′. Rotating the knob 238′ in a second direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise) loosens the bolt 234′, thereby preventing movementwithin the guideway 232′. When in its lowered position, the bolt 234′engages the striker plate 253′ to prevent opening of the lid 196 (FIG.13).

The latch 224′ further includes key-actuated lock 226′, illustrativelyincluding a support sleeve 266′ having a lock barrel 268′ rotatablysupported therein and carrying a locking arm 270′. The sleeve 266′ isillustratively secured to the upper wall 212 of the lid 196 by a nut271′. The locking arm 270′ is secured to the rear end of barrel 268′ andis rotatable to locate its free end 272′ in a substantially abuttingrelation to an upper end 274′ of the bolt 234′. When the locking arm270′ is in this aligned relation, upward movement of the bolt 234′ isprevented. However, when the locking arm 270′ is rotated to its unlockedposition by means of a key (not shown) rotating the barrel 268′, thebolt 234′ is free for upward movement by the knob 238′.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the lock mechanisms 120 of thefirst weapon holder 62 and the second weapon holder 64, and the lock226, 226′ may all comprise electrically operated locks having a remoteuser interface or switch (not shown). More particularly, the remote userinterface may include a momentary switch to unlock some or all of thelocks of the weapon holders 62 and 64 and the article lock box 66, 66′.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6A, a releasable coupler 278 is supportedby the upright 60 and is configured to cooperate with the article lockbox 66 to releasably secure the lid 196 in the raised or open position.In one illustrative embodiment, the releasable coupler 278 includes amagnet 280 supported by a slide mount 282 received within the fronttrack 106 of the upright 60. A fastener, such as a bolt 286 and a washer288, secures the magnet 280 to the slide member 282.

In a released mode of operation, clearance is provided between the slidemount 282 and the washer 288 on opposing sides of the walls 114 and 116of the front track 106. As the bolts 286 are tightened, the mount 282and the washer 288 clamp to the walls 114 and 116, thereby securing themagnet 280 to the upright 60. In this fixed mode of operation, the slidemount 282 is fixed from vertical movement along the track 106 of theupright 60.

The weapon mounting system 10 may be configured for vehicle partitionmounting or self-supported mounting (e.g., through base 16). Withreference to the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 3-6, first (upper)and second (lower) mounting brackets 290 and 292 may couple the rearface 78 of the upright 60 to vehicle partition 24 in the vehiclepartition mounting configuration. A fourth slide mount 294 may bereceived within the fourth track 108 of the upright 60 and is coupled tothe first mounting bracket 290, illustratively through a fastener, suchas a bolt 298 and washer 300. The first mounting bracket 290 maycomprise a T-shaped member including apertures 302 to receiveconventional fasteners (not shown) to couple to the partition 24.

In a released mode of operation, clearance is provided between the slidemount 294 and the washer 300 on opposing sides of the walls 114 and 116of the track 108. As the bolt 298 is are tightened, the mount 294 andthe washer 300 clamp to the walls 114 and 116, thereby securing thebracket 290 to the upright 60. In this fixed mode of operation, theslide mounts 294 is fixed from vertical movement along the track 108 ofthe upright 60.

A fifth slide mount 304 may be received within the fourth track 108 ofthe upright 60 below the fourth slide mount 294. The second mountingbracket 292 is coupled to the fifth slide mount 304, illustrativelythrough a fastener, such as a bolt 306 and washer 308. The secondmounting bracket 292 includes an aperture 310 to receive a conventionalfastener (not shown) to couple to the partition 24.

In a released mode of operation, clearance is provided between the slidemounts 304 and the washer 308 on opposing sides of the walls 114 and 116of the track 108. As the bolt 306 is tightened, the mount 294 and thewasher 308 clamp to the walls 114 and 116, thereby securing the bracket292 to the upright 60. In this fixed mode of operation, the slide mount304 is fixed from vertical movement along the track 108 of the upright60.

As may be appreciated, the weapon mounting system 10 provides formounting flexibility in weapon type, weapon style and/or weaponaccessories through the plurality of adjustable mounting locations(e.g., weapon holders 62 and 64, and article lock box 66). Moreparticularly, the weapon mounting locations may be configured at thetime of installation with simple adjustments.

While the above detailed description and accompanying drawingsillustrate weapon holders 62 and 64 and article lock box 66 coupled tothe upright 60, other accessories may be supported by one or more of thetracks 102, 104, 106, 108. More particularly, the tracks 102, 104, 106,108 of the upright 60 may support a variety of different modularaccessories instead of, or in addition to the weapon holders 62 and 64and the article lock box 66. Such accessories may comprise, for example,a flashlight holder, a hook to support a jacket and/or a hat, a cupholder, and a support tray or platform.

The flashlight holder illustratively includes a cradle configured tohold a flashlight and a charger coupled to an electrical system of thevehicle 14 through wires extending through the upright 60, wherein thecharger is configured to charge batteries of a flashlight when dockedwithin the cradle. The support tray or platform may be configured tosupport electronic devices, such as a ticket machine or printer for useby an individual supported by the front driver seat 20 and/or frontpassenger seat 22 of the vehicle 14.

Although the invention has been described in detailed with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations of modifications exist withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A weapon mounting system comprising: anupright extending upwardly relative to a floor of a vehicle, the uprightincluding a lower end, an upper end, a first track extending between thelower end and the upper end, and a second track spaced apart from thefirst track and extending between the lower end and the upper end; afirst weapon holder supported by the upright; a first slide mountreceived within the first track of the upright and coupled to the firstweapon holder, wherein the first slide mount is supported by the firsttrack for sliding movement in a released mode of operation, and thefirst slide mount is secured in position in a fixed mode of operation,such that the first weapon holder is vertically movable along theupright when the first slide mount is in the released mode of operation;and a first bracket coupled to the first weapon holder and the firstslide mount, the first weapon holder supported for translational androtational adjustment relative to the first bracket.
 2. The weaponmounting system of claim 1, wherein the first weapon holder includes alock mechanism having a base and a pivotal cover coupled to the base forreceiving and securing a weapon therein.
 3. The weapon mounting systemof claim 1, wherein the first weapon holder includes a lock mechanismhaving a base and a pivotal cover coupled to the base for receiving andsecuring a weapon therein, and the first weapon holder further includesa barrel rest including an upper arm supported above the lock mechanism,and a lower arm supported below the lock mechanism, the upper arm andthe lower arm including aligned openings for receiving a barrel of aweapon.
 4. The weapon mounting system of claim 1, further comprising: asecond weapon holder supported by the upright; a second slide mountreceived within the second track of the upright and coupled to thesecond weapon holder; wherein the second slide mount is supported by thetrack for sliding movement in a released mode of operation, and thesecond slide mount is secured in position in a fixed mode of operation,such that the second weapon holder is vertically movable along theupright when the second slide mount is in the released mode ofoperation; and wherein the second weapon holder is adjustable along theupright independent of the first weapon holder, the second weapon holderbeing in laterally spaced relation to the first weapon holder such thatthe second weapon holder is configured to be positioned horizontallyadjacent the first weapon holder without interference therebetween. 5.The weapon mounting system of claim 1, further comprising an articlelock box coupled to the upright, wherein the article lock box includes ahousing, a lid coupled to the housing for pivoting movement between alowered, closed position and a raised, open position, and a lock tosecure the lid in the closed position.
 6. The weapon mounting system ofclaim 5, wherein the article lock box is laterally positionedintermediate the first weapon holder and the second weapon holder. 7.The weapon mounting system of claim 6, further comprising a releasablecoupler supported by the upright and configured to cooperate with thearticle lock box to releasably secure the lid in the open position. 8.The weapon mounting system of claim 7, wherein the releasable couplercomprises a magnet.
 9. The weapon mounting system of claim 1, furthercomprising a base member configured to be supported by a floor of avehicle, the upright extending upwardly from the base member.
 10. Theweapon mounting system of claim 9, further comprising a butt housingsupported on the base member below the first weapon holder configured toreceive the butt of a weapon.
 11. A weapon mounting system comprising:an upright including a rectangular cross-section having a front face, arear face, a first side face, a second side face, a lower end, an upperend, a first track extending between the lower end and the upper end inthe first side face, and a second track extending between the lower endand the upper end in the second side face; a first weapon holdersupported by the upright; a first slide mount received within the firsttrack and coupled to the first weapon holder, wherein the first weaponholder is adjustable along the upright; a second weapon holder supportedby the upright; a second slide mount received within the second trackand coupled to the second weapon holder, wherein the second weaponholder is adjustable along the upright independent of the first weaponholder; the second weapon holder being in laterally spaced relation tothe first weapon holder such that the second weapon holder is configuredto be positioned horizontally adjacent the first weapon holder withoutinterference therebetween; an article lock box; and a third slide mountcoupled to the article lock box, wherein the upright further includes athird track extending between the lower end and the upper end in thefront face, and the third slide mount is received within the third trackwherein the article lock box is adjustable along the upright.
 12. Theweapon mounting system of claim 11, further comprising: a first bracketcoupled to the first weapon holder and the first slide mount, the firstweapon holder supported for horizontal adjustment relative to the firstbracket; and a second bracket coupled to the second weapon holder andthe second slide mount, the second weapon holder supported forhorizontal adjustment relative to the second bracket.
 13. The weaponmounting system of claim 11, further comprising a rear bracket to couplethe upright to a vehicle partition.
 14. The weapon mounting system ofclaim 11, wherein the first weapon holder includes a lock mechanismhaving a base and a pivotal cover coupled to the base for receiving andsecuring a weapon therein.
 15. The weapon mounting system of claim 11,wherein the second weapon holder includes a lock mechanism having a baseand a pivotal cover coupled to the base for receiving and securing aweapon therein, and the second weapon holder further includes a barrelrest including an upper arm supported above the lock mechanism, and alower arm supported below the lock mechanism, the upper arm and thelower arm including aligned openings for receiving a barrel of a weapon.16. The weapon mounting system of claim 11, further comprising a basemember configured to be supported by a floor of a vehicle, the uprightextending upwardly from the base member.
 17. The weapon mounting systemof claim 16, further comprising a butt housing supported on the basemember below the first weapon holder configured to receive the butt of aweapon.
 18. The weapon mounting system of claim 11, wherein the articlelock box includes a housing, a lid coupled to the housing for pivotingmovement between a closed position and an open position, and a lock tosecure the lid in the closed position.
 19. The weapon mounting system ofclaim 18, further comprising a releasable coupler supported by theupright and configured to cooperate with the article lock box toreleasably secure the lid in the open position.
 20. A weapon mountingsystem comprising: a base member configured to be supported by a floorof a vehicle; an upright extending upwardly from the base member in avertical direction, the upright including a lower end, an upper end, afront face, a rear face, a first side face, and a second side face, afirst track extending between the lower end and the upper end in thefirst side face, a second track extending between the lower end and theupper end in the second side face, and a third track extending betweenthe lower end and the upper end in the front face; a first weapon holdersupported by the upright; a first slide mount received within firsttrack and coupled to the first weapon holder, wherein the first weaponholder is adjustable along the upright; a second weapon holder supportedby the upright; and a second slide mount received within second trackand coupled to the second weapon holder, wherein the second weaponholder is adjustable along the upright; an accessory supported by theupright; a third slide mount received within the third track and coupledto the accessory, wherein the accessory is adjustable along the upright;and wherein the second weapon holder is adjustable along the uprightindependent of the first weapon holder, the second weapon holder beingin laterally spaced relation to the first weapon holder such that thesecond weapon holder is configured to be positioned horizontallyadjacent the first weapon holder without interference therebetween. 21.The weapon mounting system of claim 20, wherein the accessory comprisesan article lock box including a housing, a lid coupled to the housingfor pivoting movement between a closed position and an open position,and a lock to secure the lid in the closed position.
 22. A weaponmounting system comprising: a base member configured to be supported bya floor of a vehicle; an upright extending upwardly from the base memberin a vertical direction, the upright including a lower end, an upperend, a front face, a rear face, a first side face, and a second sideface, a first track extending between the lower end and the upper end inthe first side face, a second track extending between the lower end andthe upper end in the second side face, and a third track extendingbetween the lower end and the upper end in the front face; a firstweapon holder supported by the upright; a first slide mount receivedwithin first track and coupled to the first weapon holder, wherein thefirst weapon holder is adjustable along the upright; a second weaponholder supported by the upright; a second slide mount received withinsecond track and coupled to the second weapon holder, wherein the secondweapon holder is adjustable along the upright; an accessory supported bythe upright; a third mount received within the third track and coupledto the accessory, wherein the accessory is adjustable along the upright;a first bracket coupled to the first weapon holder and the first slidemount, the first weapon holder supported for translational androtational adjustment relative to the first bracket; and a secondbracket coupled to the second weapon holder and the second slide mount,the second weapon holder supported for translational and rotationaladjustment relative to the second bracket.